Thais to witness Saturn’s rings edge-on today and tomorrow

rings edge on of Saturn

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has invited all Thais to see the rings edge-on of Saturn after the sunset today and tomorrow, saying that anyone missing this opportunity had to wait for another 14 years.

NARIT Director Associate Professor Boonrucksar Soonthornthum elaborated that the rings edge-on referred to the period when the rings of Saturn appeared as a thin line or when they almost disappeared out of sight when Saturn revolved. He added that the thin line would divide the planet into two parts which was called ‘the ring plane crossing’.

The NARIT Director explained that this event would take place only once in 14-15 years. He admitted that this natural phenomenon might be difficult to observe due to density of clouds during the rainy season. He said it could be seen in the east after sunset today and tomorrow, cautioning that observations must be made via telescopes in order to protect the eyes.

Associate Professor Boonrucksar stated that anyone missing this opportunity had to wait until 23 March 2025.